Steering Committee
The Steering Committee provides strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring the Oguta Wetlands Initiative’s projects align with environmental conservation and community priorities.
Prof. Afamdi Anene is a Nigerian academic and Professor at the Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Abia State University, Umuahia. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Jos, an M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan, and a Ph.D. from the University of Port Harcourt. His expertise spans fisheries biology, fish nutrition, and aquatic ecology. As a consultant, he has led environmental assessments across Nigeria and West Africa for major oil and ecological organizations. With over 47 publications, Prof. Anene has served as Head of Department, Dean, examiner, and assessor, and has represented Nigeria at several international conferences.
James Agbasoga, a 1979 graduate of Hussey College, Warri, studied at Eastern Washington University and earned a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Southwest Texas State University. He began his career with the City of Austin, earning an Award for Excellence and Volunteerism, before obtaining a Certified Quality Engineering (CQE) certification and working with IBM and Motorola in technical and leadership roles. Later, he ran a successful automotive repair and sales business until his retirement in 2025. A dedicated community leader, he served as President Emeritus of OOPA and the Austin Eagles Soccer Club, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership.
Dr. Uchenna Nwabata I. Agorua is a Nigerian academic and researcher with expertise in Fisheries and Hydrobiology. She obtained her B.Sc. in Animal and Environmental Biology from Imo State University in 2008, followed by an M.Sc. (2014) and Ph.D. (2022) in Fisheries and Hydrobiology from the University of Port Harcourt. With over 13 years of teaching and research experience, she currently lectures at Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma. Her professional interests include aquatic ecosystem conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism development. This reflects her dedication to promoting the balance between ecological preservation and socio-economic advancement.
Emmanuel Onumonu is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals. He holds professional registration with the Association of Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. With over 25 years of experience, Onumonu’s expertise spans energy policy development, wetland ecosystems management, and environmental and regulatory compliance management. His experience encompasses a broad range of areas, including Canadian Federal and Provincial Governments’ regulations, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), environmental site assessment (ESA), environmental impact assessment (EIA), and open-pit oilsands mining and steam-assisted gravity drainage operations. Onumonu’s educational background includes a B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering (University of Lagos), M.Eng. Industrial Engineering (University of Benin), and M.A.Sc. Environmental Engineering (Memorial University of Newfoundland).
Dr. Chinyere Ekine-Dzivenu is a scientist specializing in livestock systems, environmental sustainability, and quantitative genetics. Holding a PhD from the University of Alberta, she serves in a joint appointment with the University and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Her research focuses on climate-smart agriculture and data-driven productivity in low-resource settings. As an indigenous member of Oguta, she offers firsthand insight into the environmental degradation of the Oguta Wetlands. Dr. Ekine-Dzivenu combines technical expertise with community-led solutions to design scalable interventions that align environmental conservation with improved livelihoods, driving broader goals of climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development globally.
Ebini Pius Nwapa is a 3rd Class Power Engineer with Rio Tinto and a graduate of Imo State University, Nigeria, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics. With a solid foundation in technical operations and a deep interest in sustainability, he advocates for environmentally responsible development. Passionate about wetland restoration, agro-tourism, and eco-friendly land management, Ebini believes industrial advancement should align with environmental preservation. His work and interests reflect a commitment to integrating innovation, conservation, and community growth to ensure a balanced coexistence between human progress and the natural ecosystems that sustain it.
Chioma Nwobi is a seasoned financial and tax professional with an MBA from Lagos Business School and a B.Sc. in Estate Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, with affiliations to the Chartered Institute of Forensic Investigation and the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. He has extensive experience in accounting, investment analysis, due diligence, and financial advisory. He has led consulting projects for government and international organizations, delivering reforms, strengthening financial systems, and driving compliance, efficiency, and sustainable investment outcomes.
Onyebuchi Onumonu is a technical professional holding both an MSc and a BSc in Electrical Engineering, alongside multiple industry certifications. He possesses extensive experience in telecommunications, embedded systems, software/hardware integration, web development, graphics, and cybersecurity. Outside of work, Onyebuchi enjoys swimming, kayaking, reading tech blogs, and binge-watching series. Guided by his mantra, ‘Me aya ka odi nma karia ngina’ (Make it better), he frequently volunteers his technical expertise to improve the world around him.
Progress so far
We are in the early, crucial stages of restoring the Oguta wetlands—where science meets community action, data drives decision-making, and every sample collected brings us closer to cleaner water and ecological renewal.
Join us
Become a member, share our mission, and support the cause through donations or time. Together, we can restore Oguta’s wetlands, protect biodiversity, and create lasting change for communities and future generations.
Legacy Project
Create a living memorial today. Honor your loved one eternally while restoring Oguta’s wetlands, empowering future generations, and protecting nature. Choose your legacy path and begin a story that never ends.